Author Archives: wabisabi

保護中: tabi-tabi Staff Guide Book

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Izu Wasabi Farm

Nestled in the picturesque mountains of the Izu Peninsula, Japan, Izu wasabi is celebrated for its high quality and distinctive flavour. This exceptional wasabi thrives in Kawazu, near the Amagi mountain range, where clear, cold spring water flows continuously, and … Read More

Hydrangea Festival

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Shimoda. There is an entire month dedicated to the hydrangea festival, and this one lasts the whole month! I walked through it in early June. The garden and park area are stunning, and … Read More

Kuronefune Matsuri (Black Ship Festival)

If you are here in May, there is a yearly festival that is surprisingly big given the town’s size and is so much fun! Kurofune means “Black Ship” in English and is the celebration of the Americans arriving in their … Read More

Spring in Shimoda

It’s Alice again, back for another post! I have so much I want to share about the different places I have visited here in Shimoda this spring. Some backstory: After living in Japan for months now and living on three … Read More

A Staff Perspective

Hi! My name is Alice, and I work at Retreat Wabi-Sabi! I wanted to share my experience of this wonderful retreat with all you interested readers. This is just my perspective, but I have found this place to be something … Read More

Re: SAi

Welcome to our unique and stylish 3-bedroom rental cottage located in the Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, Sai is tucked away in the  cozy Kisane Valley behind Kisami Ohama Beach. With its engaging design, thoughtful amenities, and use of upcycled and repurposed … Read More

Spice Dog Curry & Cafe in Shimoda

Spice Dog

下田行ったらここでしょ!というファンも多いSpice Dog Curry and Cafeそれもそのはず、下田でお店をはじめて30年以上も営業されているんです。 広い店内にはたくさんのサーフボード、楽器やミュージシャンのポスターが飾ってあったり、雑誌や本もたくさん。 Read More

firepit at retreat wabi-sabi

焚き火体験

今シーズンよりretreat wabi-sabi敷地内のファイヤーピットで焚き火体験ができるようになりました。 
焚き火台を使用しない、石積みのラフなファイヤーピットで直火での焚き火はワイルド感があり、ただ火を眺めたり、木がはぜる音を聞いたりしているだけでも不思議な満足感があります。 Read More

Juice cleanse at Retreat wabi-sabi Shimoda

ジュースクレンズプラン

Retreat wabi-sabiにご宿泊のお客様向けにジュースクレンズプランの販売を開始します。 伊豆の新鮮な野菜や果物を使ったコールドプレスジュースで丸一日のファスティングを中心にクレンズ初日のヨガ、前日の準備食、クレンズ後の回復食までがセットになった2泊3日のプランです。 Read More

takenoko (bamboo shoot) steak

一条竹の子村

竹の子狩りの期間(4/1~5/5)だけ期間限定で営業されている、竹の子づくしのお食事処です。 私たちも大好きな竹の子ですが、下田に来るまでは本当の美味しさを知りませんでした。 Read More

Vegetarian in Shimoda (and tips for vegans in Japan)

When I first came to Japan 20 years ago, it was a real challenge to remain vegetarian. There were very few restaurants that catered to non-meat eaters and very few servers understood when I asked for something without meat, “niku … Read More

Minami Izu Kayaking Shimoda Japan

シーカヤック with Surface

Sea Kayaks have got to be the best way to explore Izu’s incredibly beautiful coastline. Guides can take you into caves and through natural tunnels. There are quite a few sea kayak tour guides in the area. We went with … Read More

とびいし

Tobiishi closed and reopened across the street. It’s our favorite Japanese breakfast spot. For 800 yen you get a perfectly grilled fish, rice, pickles, miso soup, an egg, and some nori (dried seaweed) and natto.  If you don’t like your … Read More

魚どんや

地魚メインのお寿司屋さんです。 以前は回転寿司でしたが、コロナの影響か現在は注文して握っていただく形で営業されています。 アクセスの良さと気軽に入れる雰囲気ですが、金目鯛をはじめとした地元の魚を食べられることもあって、観光客を中心に人気で、休日は並んでいることも多い人気のお店です。 Read More

下田バーガー(Ra-maruさん)

下田の道の駅にあるRa-maruさんでは下田の名物金目鯛を使った下田バーガーを食べられます! 大きなバンズですが、そこからはみ出すくらいに大きい金目鯛のフライ、チーズ、たっぷりのレタスに分厚いトマトとボリューム満点! Read More

Michi-no-eki (road station)

道 (Michi) means road, の (no) is a possessive like our ‘s, and 駅 (eki) means station. Together you have “Road Station“, which have all of the conveniences of a train station but is made for drivers and their cars. … Read More

shimoda bus stop to kisami

Izukyu-Shimoda to Retreat wabi-sabi

To get to Kisami from Izukyu Shimoda Station you can take a bus from the rotary right outside the station. Look for the big orange signs. Busses departing from bus stop 2, 3, and 4, all stop at Kisami Bus … Read More

サウスカフェ

吉佐美の国道沿いにあるサウスカフェさんはいつも賑わっている人気店! 私たちも伊豆に来てから、自分たちだけで来たり、友人と来たり、スタッフのみんなと来たり、何度訪れたかわからないほど。 Read More

minami-izu-trail-view shimoda Shizuoka Japan

タライ岬遊歩道

下田市田牛から南伊豆町逢ケ浜まで海沿いの様々な形の岩が作り出す風景や打ち寄せる波を眺めたり、静かな森の中を歩いたり、アップダウンと変化に富んだ遊歩道です。 コースはわかりやすく、危険度も低いので挑戦しやすいトレイルです。 Read More

Ryuguktsu sea cave shimoda Izu Japan

Ryugukutsu Sea Cave

sand ski hill shimoda izu geopark

田牛サンドスキー場

Sand Ski Hill is right next to Ryugukutsu, a cave that opens up to the sea so if you want to see one you should definitely check out the other. We have toboggans guests are more than welcome to borrow … Read More

train from Tokyo to Shimoda

Tokyo to Shimoda,… the easiest way.

The easiest way to get to Shimoda is by Odoriko Super Express train. Some of the trains are called Super View Odoriko because they have raised floors and windows that extend to the ceiling so you can enjoy views of … Read More

kanaya ryokan onsen shimoda Izu

Kanaya Ryokan Onsen

Kanaya Ryokan has been welcoming guests since 1866, but is most famous for its 15 meter long “sen-nin buro” (1000-man bath) built in 1915. This beautiful wooden bath is not only long but also very deep. In fact, it’s big … Read More

perry-road-shimoda isu sightseeing japan

Perry Road

Most people only know Shimoda for its pristine beaches and emerald green sea, but there is a lot more to Shimoda you should really check out! Perry Road is a tiny street divided by a river with overhanging wheeping willows … Read More

Shokichinoyu Onsen

This has got to be one of my favorite onsen, ever! So worth the journey up the narrow steep mountain roads (although I refuse to drive myself). When I mentioned that one of our previous guests had said, “Now this … Read More

Flower picking in Matsuzaki

Every year in Matsuzaki (west coast of Izu) wild flowers are grown in rice paddies before the rice seedlings are planted. Once the May flowers bloom everyone is invited to pick as many flowers as they can. I cut and … Read More

Irozaki

Irozaki is a cape at the very bottom of the Izu Peninsula. There is a lighthouse and a shrine with amazing views of Southern Izu’s rocky coast.  You can visit the shrine and buy an “omikuji” (a fortune) if you … Read More

Morinookurimono Bakery

Shimoda’s wood-burning-oven bakery is set in the heavens above. The scenic drive through the country side, then a hair-raising thrill ride up a steep and narrow mountain road is so worth your test of faith (and brakes!). Once you are … Read More

nikuzuki-bbq- kawazu nanadaru falls

Nikuzuki in Kawazu

Nikuzuki means “meatmoon” but they also serve fish and noodles to feed the vegetarians and semi-vegetarians alike. The food is delicious and the location is amazing. We have decided this will go on the list of “What to do on … Read More

shimoda seasfood local food izu fish

ごろさや

宿泊施設を運営していると、滞在されるお客様から、一番美味しいお店はどこですか?と聞かれることが多々あります。 その方の好みにもよりますし、下田にたくさんある美味しい飲食店から選ぶのも、なかなか難しい質問なのですが、ごろさやさんをオススメしています。 Read More

Fontaine bakery and cafe shimoda kisami

Fontaine Bakery & Cafe

I think most foreigners living in Japan would agree that there are not enough breakfast places around. So I am happy to have discovered a great new spot with fluffy omelettes, toast, Italian coffee and freshly squeezed OJ.  UPDATE:  I’m … Read More

Tokyo to Shimoda the cheapest way

Tokyo to Shimoda,… the cheapest way.

The cheapest way to get to Shimoda is to take the Odakyu Line train from Shinjuku to Odawara and transfer to the Tokaido line bound for Atami or Ito, then finally switching to Tokyu’s Izu Kyuko line from there. The … Read More

tokaido-shinkansen tokyo to atami bound for shimoda

Tokyo to Shimoda,… The fastest way.

The fastest way to get just about anywhere in Japan is by bullet train or what the Japanese call Shinkansen. There are no direct Shinkansens from Tokyo to Shimoda but it is possible to take a shinkansen half way, from … Read More

Cafe Mellow Kisami Shimoda

Cafe Mellow

For those of you who have been visiting the Kisami area for sometime, you may have noticed that Paradise has been lost and in it’s place Cafe Mellow has set up shop. Although some of the changes will take some … Read More

Snorkeling in Hirizo Izu

Snorkeling in Hirizo Izu

From the Kisami Bus Stop take a 40 minute bus ride down and around the coast to Nakagi, pay a 1000 yen for a 5 minute boat ride and you’ll arrive at the underwater wonderland, Hirizo. Before boarding the ship … Read More

Minami Izu boat cruise shimoda Shizuoka

Izu Cruise

As I have mentioned in my blog about kayaking, the best way to see Izu’s beautiful and rugged coastline is from the sea. But if you are not feeling so active and don’t want to spend a day paddling then … Read More

Kannon Onsen

Kannon Onsen  is tucked away among greenery in the rugged hills of Shimoda. The hot-spring is famous for its super alkaline rich waters. The same waters are flowing through shokichi-no-yu but for those without a car, Kannon onsen is a … Read More

Naocacoan vegan delivery minami izu shimoda

Naocacoan

If you have been in Japan a while and are trying to maintain a plant-based diet, you know that your options can be pretty limited if you want to eat out. I was a fairly strict vegetarian when I came … Read More

Yamatokan Onsen

One of the closest onsens to Retreat wabi-sabi and Guesthouse tabi-tabi is at the Yamatokan Hotel on Tatado beach in the Kisami area of Shimoda. It  has a private and public onsen non-staying guests can use at certain times and … Read More

Happy Buddha Smoothies

Happy Buddha Smoothies is a little hard to find but totally worth the extra effort. To get there take the main road and turn at the entrance for Irita Beach (between Re-mix and the Chinese restaurant). Instead of following the … Read More

Maru Cafe

Maru Cafe is set in a quaint old Japanese house just steps from Maiso Beach to get there you need to cross the river. We recommend taking the wooden board-walk along the river then use the overhanging bridge, Maru Cafe … Read More

入田浜

伊豆の綺麗な海の中でも特に透明度が高いと言われているのが、入田浜です。 コンクリートで護岸されていない自然な海岸線と白い砂、透き通るような透明な水はハワイや海外のビーチリゾートと比べても美しいと言われるほどです。 Read More

Yumigahama Beach Minami Izu Japan

弓ヶ浜

弓ヶ浜はその名の示す通り大きく弓なりに美しい弧を描くビーチです。 松林がビーチ沿いに広がっており、その環境を大切にしてきたため、白い砂に松の緑、山々の緑と美しい景観が残されています。 Read More

多々戸浜

多々戸浜はサーフィン向きのいい波が立つこと、有名なプロサーファーを輩出したことで、サーファーに人気のビーチで、波のいい日には沢山のローカル、ビジターサーファーで賑わいます。 Read More

Manpo Himono

When Japanese people travel to the sea they naturally want to eat fish. It makes sense, what’s local and in season, is tastiest! Overseas a great majority of Japanese restaurants serve sushi but within Japan, the percentage of sushi shops … Read More

Cubstar Cafe

If you love a good sandwich, like I love a good sandwich, you have got to check out cubstar in Shimoda. They have a Panini lunch special to please everyone. A veggie version with mozzarella and cheese, the pescetarian special … Read More

The Guesthouse

Large kitchen at tabi-tabi ShimodaJapanese style room in blueThe pink room at tabi-tabi ShimodaThe blue room at tabi-tabirice bowls at Guesthouse tabi-tabi Shimodalight at Guesthouse tabi-tabi ShimodaGuesthouse tabi-tabi Shimoda mapsGuesthouse tabi-tabi ShimodaGuesthouse tabi-tabi ShimodaGuesthouse tabi-tabi ShimodaGuesthouse tabi-tabi ShimodaGuesthouse tabi-tabi ShimodaGuesthouse … Read More

Jogasaki Coastal Hike

October is by far the best month for exploring and hiking in Japan. Southern Izu is also still warm enough to enjoy the ocean and yet cool enough to appreciate the onsens. On October 27th I started my day with … Read More

osaka to shimoda by train

How to get to Shimoda from Osaka and Kyoto

To get to Shimoda from Osaka, or Kyoto, you should take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Shin-Osaka or Kyoto Station to Atami (141 min). From Atami take the JR Ito line to Ito (23 min) and from Ito take the … Read More

On the Beach

私たちもよく利用させていただくのですが、ハーブカジキ&バルサミコソースが特にお気に入りです。柔らかくハーブの効いたカジキの身にバルサミコがすごく合うんです。 Read More

odaru-waterfall-onsen kawazu izu shizuoka japan

Nanadaru Waterfalls & Onsen

Tucked into the hills above Kawazu Town, the falls range from the towering 30-meter high Odaru Waterfall to the 2-meter high Kanidaru Waterfall. The hiking trail is an easy 1km walk and it’s well sign-posted. Some sections are steep, but … Read More

Kisami Ohama Beach Shimoda Izu Shizuoka Japan

吉佐美大浜

吉佐美大浜はwabi-sabiから最も近いビーチで、私たちのホームビーチです。

wabi-sabiから砂利道を歩いて、ペンション2軒を通り過ぎ右側に出てくる砂利道を進めば、5分ほどで海へでれます。 Read More

Juice cleanse detox and yoga retreat shimoda izu japan

Detox & Yoga Retreat

In October 2017 Retreat wabi-sabi hosted it’s very first juice cleanse and yoga retreat. 9 participants joined us for 2 nights / 3 days to detox, relax, and re-fresh the body and mind. If you have never done a detox … Read More

Shimoda port Izu Japan

A Danish View of Japan: På eventyr i Japan

Japan betyder ”solens ophav” og kaldes for Nippon, 日 (sol) 本 (ophav), men er bedre kendt som solens rige. Efter at have opholdt mig i Japan i to måneder, fremgår det tydeligt hvorfor, at solen har sit herredømme i dette … Read More

shimoda on a bicycle

Japón no es solo lo que viste en Doraemon!

Si durante tu infancia (o puede que incluso ahora) fuiste un fiel seguidor de estos dibujos, al llegar a Japón y empezar a descubrirlo te vendrán a la mente muchas, muchísimas semejanzas que harán que sueltes una sonrisa de vez … Read More

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